2025 European University Association Annual Conference “Connecting the Dots on Sustainability and Resilience” (10–11.04.2025, Riga)
On April 10–11, 2025, the 2025 European University Association (EUA) Annual Conference took place in Riga, Latvia, hosted by the University of Latvia. The event focused on sustainability and resilience as interconnected, multi-dimensional concepts shaping the future of universities.
The conference aimed to define what sustainability and resilience mean for higher education institutions in today’s complex environment and to explore how universities can contribute to a more sustainable future both on and off campus, while at the same time strengthening institutional and societal resilience. Particular attention was given to how university leadership and academic communities can embed these objectives into institutional missions, strategies, and day-to-day activities.
The programme featured plenary sessions and parallel breakout sessions addressing key dimensions of sustainability and resilience, including funding models and income diversification, digitalisation and inclusion, academic careers, university leadership, knowledge security, and institutional risk management. A strong focus was placed on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting concrete ways in which universities can translate sustainability strategies into practical action.
Discussions also addressed how universities can enhance resilience without becoming inward-looking, examining issues related to openness, international cooperation, inclusion, and security of knowledge. In addition, participants reflected on the role of universities in shaping future European programmes in education, research, and innovation, and on how EU funding instruments can support a sustainable and resilient higher education sector.
The conference brought together university leaders, academics, policymakers, and experts from across Europe and beyond, providing a platform for strategic dialogue, peer learning, and exchange of best practices on advancing sustainability and resilience in higher education within the European context.
More details about the event and presentations can be found on the organisers’ website.